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- be comfortable working with data and able to analyse information and present it clearly for different audiences
- be adaptable and resilient, responding positively to changing priorities
- have strong communication and relationship building skills and confidence in engaging constructively with stakeholders at all levels
- be confident using digital tools with a willingness to learn new tools quickly
- work well both independently and as part of a team, bringing a can-do attitude and taking ownership of your work
- demonstrate a commitment to continuous personal development, prioritising the enhancement of your skills and professional capability
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Job Description
We’re fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.
We work with government, local councils, water companies, businesses, and communities to make our environment cleaner, safer, and healthier.
We’re looking for organised and motivated people to join our teams in Environment and Business (E&B) as Project Support Officers (PSO).
PSO’s cover a diverse range of activities to support the delivery of a project. You’ll play a key role in supporting Project Manager through operating project management processes and coordinating business management tasks.
You will:
- support the smooth running of projects, programmes, and portfolios using P3M processes
- coordinate planning, scheduling, governance, and reporting activities
- maintain clear, accurate project documentation
- support risk, issue, resource, and financial management
- help drive assurance processes and uphold delivery standards help drive assurance processes and uphold delivery standards
- provide strong organisational, logistical, and administrative support provide strong organisational, logistical, and administrative support
- enable confident decision making through clear information and communication enable confident decision making through clear information and communication
- share good practice to strengthen project delivery across teams
- contribute to a positive, collaborative, inclusive team environment
We have 8 roles available: 1 x permanent and 7 x fixed term contracts (FTC) / assignments. (Length of contracts vary depending on which role/s you apply for). Read the Additional Information Pack for more information.
For permanent and FTC appointments that are 18months+ in length, there’ll be an option to complete an Association Project Manager Level 4 apprenticeship as part of the role.
You’ll be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident.
The team
You’ll join a team within E&B, one of the Environment Agency’s most critical and exciting areas. Our work spans across the EA and connects with government, industry, the public and media.
We tackle major environmental challenges including climate change, water, nature, sustainable development, energy and resources, playing a key role in regulation, planning, science, strategy and delivery.
Read the Additional Information Pack attached for further details about each role and team.
Experience/skills Required
The successful candidate will have previous PSO experience or demonstrable experience in a coordinating administrative role.
You’ll:
- be experienced in a project support, coordination or similar role
- be highly organised, able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail
- be comfortable working with data and able to analyse information and present it clearly for different audiences
- be adaptable and resilient, responding positively to changing priorities
- have strong communication and relationship building skills and confidence in engaging constructively with stakeholders at all levels
- be confident using digital tools with a willingness to learn new tools quickly
- work well both independently and as part of a team, bringing a can-do attitude and taking ownership of your work
- demonstrate a commitment to continuous personal development, prioritising the enhancement of your skills and professional capability
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel some travel and overnights may be required.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack. Any queries, contact eandbpeople@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams beginning of June 2026.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Competence 1
Works in Teams
Description
Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals
Give an example of working well in a team. What was your role, and how did you work positively with others maintaining good working relationships?
IMPORTANT:
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead competency will be conducted. In this case, the pass mark may be raised above 4 (this does not apply to DCS candidates).
Candidates who meet the required score at the initial sift will then progress to a full sift or directly to interview.
Feedback is generally not available at sift stage.
Competence 2
Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results
Describe a time when you planned, organised and prioritised tasks and resources to successfully deliver a project or piece of work. How did you manage competing priorities, and what was the outcome?
Competence 3
Uses Initiative
Description
Takes action before and/or beyond what is required, owning the outcome.
Give an example of when you identified an opportunity to improve how a project or team was working and took ownership to make that improvement. What prompted you to act, and what was the impact on the outcome?
Competence 4
Engages others
Description
- Please note this answer is not assessed***
Please tell us which team/s you would like to be considered for, in order of preference.
For each team you select, briefly explain in no more than 50 words: why you are interested in working in that team, and the skills, experience, or qualities you have that you feel are particularly relevant to the team and the work they do.
Role options:
- Hydrogen Capture Programme
- Water Resource Resilience
- Accelerated Permitting Transformation Programme (ATP)
- Water Resource Infrastructure Programme Team (WRIPT)
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.